Guatemala Health Insurance

The Republic of Guatemala is located in Central America, to the south of Mexico and adjacent to Honduras, Belize and El Salvador. It has an estimated population of 13.3 million people and its total land area is 108,890 square kilometers. Guatemala is quite densely populated, particularly in large urban areas such as the capital Guatemala City. Independence from Spain was declared in 1821 and many buildings from the Spanish colonial era remain in pristine condition. Despite these strong Spanish influences, Guatemala is best known for its ancient Mayan civilization. Mayan culture and tradition remain prominent and 21 Mayan dialects are still spoken by the indigenous Amerindian population. Guatemala has many unique ecosystems and the country is seen as a major biodiversity hotspot in the Central American region. Guatemala is a developing country and an estimated 55 percent of the population lives below the international poverty line. At 58 percent of GDP, the services sector is the main proponent of the economy, followed by agriculture at 22 percent. Coffee, sugar and bananas are the country’s main exports.

Guatemala Health Care and Insurance

The provision of health care in Guatemala has been divided into three main categories – public, private non-profit and private for-profit. Public health services are delivered by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare (MSPAS) and the Guatemala Social Security Institute (IGSS). International charitable organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) provide private non-profit services while a number of health clinics and hospitals comprise the private for-profit sector. MSPAS or state run facilities provide, in theory, free health services to all citizens. The IGSS is a Guatemala health insurance fund in which employers, employees and their dependants contribute a percentage of salary which covers a range of treatments and services at public health facilities. Tourists, expatriates and non-nationals who seek medical assistance while in Guatemala are required to pay in cash before treatment can be received. Purchasing an international Guatemala health insurance policy is therefore strongly advised.

The government of Guatemala spends approximately 2 percent of GDP on health care per annum and this figure is far below what is required to develop and improve the country’s health care facilities. While the government’s financial contribution to the annual health care spend has decreased in recent years, contributions from households have increased which is placing an unfair burden on an already vulnerable population. A national health plan, separate to the IGSS, is available to ordinary citizens however large numbers have opted against joining the scheme on the basis that it only provides cover for specialist treatment.

A high percentage of health facilities, both public and private, are located in or near Guatemala City. Public health services operated by the MSPAS number approximately 1,300 facilities and these comprise mostly clinics and small scale hospitals. The standard of treatment and care at public facilities is quite basic while facilities in rural areas are limited and in some areas non-existent. A higher standard of care and a wider range of treatments are available at private health facilities which are furnished with modern equipment. As a result, some specialist services that are unavailable at public facilities are on offer at private facilities. Many of its personnel will have trained abroad and have a good command of English. Expatriates and tourists in possession of a Guatemala health insurance policy and who require medical assistance while in the country are advised to use private health facilities.

Guatemala Travel Insurance Concerns

Guatemala is located between both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea leaving it prone to hurricanes and tropical storms during the hurricane season, usually from June to November. In October 2005, Hurricane Stan caused extensive damage to infrastructure and more than 1,500 people were killed. Much of this damage occurred when sustained heavy rainfall triggers flooding and mudslides. Guatemala is also located in an active seismic area and several strong earthquakes have affected the country in recent times. In 1976, a 7.5 magnitude quake killed 25,000 people. There are 37 volcanoes throughout Guatemala, four of which are active and include Fuego and Pacaya, both of which erupted in 2010. Tourists and expatriates should monitor local news and weather reports, particularly during the hurricane season and are advised to comply with local government announcements during emergency situations.

Guatemala’s sub-tropical climate and warm weather has resulted in a number of diseases and illnesses being endemic to the region. Expatriates and tourists are advised to seek advice from a travel health specialist at least four weeks prior to arrival in the country. Vaccinations against diseases such as Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Rabies and Polio are all advised. The routine MMR and DPT vaccinations should also be updated accordingly. Outbreaks of Dengue fever occur quite frequently while Malaria is prevalent in all rural areas below 1,500 meters in elevation. Precautions against insect bites such as using insect repellant, wearing long sleeved clothing after dark and erecting bed nets can reduce the risk of catching these diseases. Guatemala’s open sewer system has resulted in outbreaks of bacterial diseases such as Cholera, particularly during humid or prolonged spells of wet weather.

Guatemala Expat Health Insurance

Health facilities in Guatemala are limited in the range of treatments and services they can provide. Most of the country’s hospitals and clinics are located in large urban areas like Guatemala City and these tend to be overcrowded with long waiting times for general consultations and emergency services. Expatriates, travelers and other short term visitors to the country should note that although a higher level of care is available at private health facilities, it would still fall short of international standards.

Certain complicated treatments may require emergency air evacuation to the United States; therefore it is important to protect yourself against all possible medical scenarios. Expat Medical Insurance can help you determine which insurance policy is best suited to your individual needs. Policies can include benefits such as in-patient, maternal, dental, emergency evacuation and more. For more information on Guatemala health insurance, global health insurance policies or to receive a free quote, please contact one of our advisors today.